Chicago's legendary Trax Records marks 40 years with new anniversary compilation and special releases
Trax Records is celebrating its 40th anniversary with Trax Records: The 40th Anniversary Collection, which is set for release on 20 June. The collection features foundational house music artists including Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Phuture, Ron Hardy, Armando and Paul Johnson alongside newer voices such as Jorge, Hiroko Yamamura and Analog 87.
Founded in 1985 by Larry Sherman, Trax Records played a significant role in shaping the house music genre. After humble grassroots beginnings its experimental ethos meant the label became a key platform for artists in Chicago’s underground scene and today it continues to operate under the leadership of Screamin’ Rachael, a pioneering figure in the scene and one of the first women to lead an independent dance label.
Trax International Posse In Amsterdam at ADE 2024
To mark the anniversary, the label will host a release event at Reckless Records in Chicago on June 20, with performances by Joe Smooth, Ron Carroll, Screamin’ Rachael and others. The anniversary collection will be distributed digitally and through limited vinyl runs of 150 copies, while Trax has also released Rising Again, a limited-edition vinyl project spotlighting collaborations between veteran and emerging artists. Proceeds from this release will benefit SocialWorks, the nonprofit founded by Chance the Rapper.
The label is also launching its first official fashion line and the collection incorporates classic Trax iconography with contemporary design elements.
Check out the Trax 40th Anniversary website for more.
L-R: Reggie Mars, Richard Fairbanks, Screamin’ Rachael, Jesse Saunders at Universal Studios in Chicago
Marshall Jefferson at Last Dance Studio
Hula, Crazy Fingers, Maurice Joshua of the group Maurice and The Posse
Universal Studios in Chicago
The late Eddie Rivera’s Record Pool
IDRC in New York, a young Louie Vega on the left.
Bam Bam at last dance studio in Chicago
Larry Sherman
Dancers at the fun with bad boys video shoot. Most notably in front on floor.
Willy Ninja of Paris is burning
To his right crazy legs of the legendary breakdance group “The Rocksteady Crew”
Sonny Kool, Screamin’ Rachael, Maurice Joshua, and George Clinton
Reverend Al Sharpton, Screamin’ Rachael, James Brown, and son
All photos copyright by Phuture Trax, with the exception of the final photo, credited to K.C. Mulcare
